News

 

Join us in making summer the best time of year for the kids at KBIA!

Hired by Executive Director Martin Lodish, Junior and Senior Counselors are paid employees of KBIA, so they must be at least 15 years or older (or be turning 15 on a summer birthday and have completed ninth grade). Counselors help support our programs, keep our children safe and carry out the mission of KBIA. We make every effort to match positions with counselors’ interests, where possible, and give hiring preference to former CITs. Deadline for first consideration is March 15.

 

While rounding Mother’s Beach last week with the temperature gauge in my car reading five degrees, I started reflecting on how amazing it was that KBIA was in its 109^th year! I glanced at the empty playground, Smith House and Strong Cottage and then at the covered pool. My mind immediately took me back 50 years when my parents first enrolled me in classes. The only image I have, is a of a big man yelling “One, Two, Three…One, Two, Three…One, Two, Three KICK!” For those of you old enough to remember, that was swimming instructor Paul Atwood. And who could forget Mrs. Reid telling us sailors, “You’re in IRONS” with her megaphone out in the cove. While it was ages ago, the memories are as vivid as the smell of the sea air when the tide turns and the sounds of seagulls and children playing on the beach that we all look forward to experiencing when summer hits each year.

 

It was with those thoughts that made me realize how humbled and honored I am to be President of our wonderful organization KBIA. I am truly excited to have the chance to work with the Board of Directors, KBIA staff, and the entire community to see KBIA continue to grow and prosper!

             

2018 was another good year for KBIA as membership and programming remained strong, although we did end up running a deficit. However, the Board of Directors, Martin and I are finalizing this year’s budget and we are planning to erase the deficit to break even in 2019.

 

We are excited to be renovating the bathrooms in Smith House this spring, one of which will be handicap accessible, and we will be replacing the floor in Smith this Fall. We have created a Programming Committee to explore new program possibilities for 2020 and beyond. We are also looking to add social events that include our friends at Edgcomb and Webhannet, as well as the Kennebunk Community.

 

As I mentioned in my Fall letter, this October Martin Lodish will be leaving KBIA after 10 and a half great years as Executive Director.  We are going to miss him, but we are working diligently to find a new ED that will continue to help us maintain the excellence that we have experienced in the past and also help us grow to new heights in the future. We will make sure to keep you apprised of the hiring process as we move forward.

 

Finally, I want to make sure to thank the entire membership and others in the community who stay involved with KBIA and have been so loyal and generous year after year.  Without all of your help KBIA would not be able to thrive and grow.

 

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!        

 

Warm Regards,

 

John Bauman

 

I first stepped foot on the KBIA campus in March of 2009 when I toured a snowy facility with then President of the Board, Andy Harrington. This was my first lengthy conversation with a KBIA member since accepting the position a few weeks prior, and as we walked along it became clear to me that it was – and is – not just the campus but the people that make KBIA special. KBIA has been a central part of my professional and personal life since then – and it is bittersweet as I prepare for my eleventh and last summer at KBIA. Members have asked what they can do to thank me for my service at KBIA – and all that I ask is for you to join me as a member this summer, as nothing would make me happier than to have as many members, new and returning, be part of KBIA this summer. Additionally, if you are able, to contribute to our scholarship fund and/or facilities fund – two areas that have experienced a lot of growth under my tenure and areas that I hope will remain strong for the foreseeable future.

 

I view my role as a caretaker of a community establishment, with the responsibility of handing over KBIA to the next Director better than it was when I received it. KBIA has come a long way in the last ten years that I have been Director, and it is well positioned for the next leader. What I am most proud of though, is rising to the challenge of keeping KBIA’s culture of inclusiveness, friendliness, and the balance between informality, safety, and structure strong. I have hired many counselors that grew up coming to KBIA, and I hope they will someday become the next generation of parents, members, and leaders of this venerable institution.

 

But first, I’m looking forward to the 2019 season with a few new changes in the mix. We have added a laser sailing class which is designed for both sailors who have mastered the fundamentals of sailing and are ready for more independence, while including older novice sailors who are eager to jump into the sport. We also have continued to rework the offerings for art electives, and are exploring other areas that can keep older children engaged. The Board will be meeting later this month and will be asked to approve long overdue upgrades to the two main bathrooms in Smith.

 

Personal connections between members are central to what makes KBIA strong and we are excited to continue to offer opportunities for members to socialize and meet one another. We will offer extended family bonfire and barbeque nights when the tides allow, two family days in KBIA’s pool, and sweets and coffee on Fridays. More details on all classes and events will be in the 2019 Registration Guide due out at the end of March. 

 

We have added extra sections of some of the more popular classes that tend to fill up, especially in the middle of the summer when we are busier. This is in hopes to reduce the likelihood of children not getting a space in the classes of their choice – however, as we process registrations in the order they are received, it is still best to send in your registrations as early as possible.

 

 

Your generosity, in any amount, helps us make a difference both in this community and our children’s lives. In addition to our membership, please consider a donation to our scholarship fund, facilities fund, and/or our general fund. Visit the “How to Donate” section of our website to find out more about each fund. All donations help support our beloved KBIA, a place where children explore the vast and rugged beauty of the Maine coast in summer, while building knowledge, leadership, and respect for themselves, others and their world.

 

Sincerely,

 

Martin Lodish

Executive Director